Is this light recoil, plinking ammo?

[mcb]

Where those numbers from actual revolvers or non-vented test barrels of that length?

SAAMI list the standard load for a 158 grain bullet at 750 fps from a vented test barrel and 900 fps from a non-vented test barrel. Length unspecified...

I would challenge anyone that thinks SAAMI changed the specification of an established SAAMI cartridge to produce documented proof of SAAMI's change. I have never seen anyone produce any. SAAMI never has, either up or down; change the pressure spec on a cartridge. The liability is too high.

That does not mean manufactures have not chosen to ignore the specs but SAAMI has not changed the 38 Special spec. Also Remember SAAMI did not start until the mid 1920's and did not really have a strong influence in the industry until the early 1930's. Compliance has always be voluntary.

 

[fxvr5]

Where those numbers from actual revolvers or non-vented test barrels of that length?

Unknown. Those old catalogs just indicate "Barrel length inches", or "length of barrel in arm tested".

SAAMI list the standard load for a 158 grain bullet at 750 fps from a vented test barrel and 900 fps from a non-vented test barrel. Length unspecified...

The barrel length specs for the 38 Special are shown in their manual page 161. For the vented barrel it is 4".

For the non-specified (likely their one-piece/unvented) barrel it is 7.710" overall (including chamber). Subtract the chamber length and it is roughly 6".

https://saami.org/wp-content/upload...FP-and-R-Approved-2015-12-14-Posting-Copy.pdf

 

[mcb]

Unknown. Those old catalogs just indicate "Barrel length inches", or "length of barrel in arm tested".




The barrel length specs for the 38 Special are shown in their manual page 161. For the vented barrel it is 4".

For the non-specified (likely their one-piece/unvented) barrel it is 7.710" overall (including chamber). Subtract the chamber length and it is roughly 6".

https://saami.org/wp-content/upload...FP-and-R-Approved-2015-12-14-Posting-Copy.pdf

Thank you! I knew that barrel length had to be in there somewhere but couldn't find it in my haste to post that earlier.

 

[Aim1]

Ended up stopping by Cabelas and Fleet Farm and bought these. I wonder which one of these will have less recoil out of the 3.

 

[fxvr5]

Ended up stopping by Cabelas and Fleet Farm and bought these. I wonder which one of these will have less recoil out of the 3.

Plug those numbers into a recoil formula and find out. http://kwk.us/recoil.html

 

[Waveski]

I'm no expert when it comes to Cowboy Action loads , but these numbers are not what I would expect for that application. The combination of specs and price makes that an unattractive proposition for me; I would think that of the three that "Cowboy" stuff would not have the softest recoil - contrary to what one would expect. Pass on that.

The other two appear to be a tie , 130 gr , 800 fps , 185#. Go with price.

 

[Aim1]

I'm no expert when it comes to Cowboy Action loads , but these numbers are not what I would expect for that application. The combination of specs and price makes that an unattractive proposition for me; I would think that of the three that "Cowboy" stuff would not have the softest recoil - contrary to what one would expect. Pass on that.

The other two appear to be a tie , 130 gr , 800 fps , 185#. Go with price.

I'll have to shoot them and see how it goes. Hopefully tomorrow.

 

[Dudedog]

Curious to see how it goes for you.
One of the joys of reloading is you can go as light as you want given
1. if it is a semi-auto you still have proper function
2 if it is a revolver you get the bullet far enough out of the barrel it does not land on your foot (ok maybe a little farther than that would be a good idea, don't want to risk leaving bullets stuck in the barrel))

Haven't looked at loading .38 ammo lately but if you have brass (and the equipment to load it) maybe around $7-8 for 50 rounds.

 

[Aim1]

I'm no expert when it comes to Cowboy Action loads , but these numbers are not what I would expect for that application. The combination of specs and price makes that an unattractive proposition for me; I would think that of the three that "Cowboy" stuff would not have the softest recoil - contrary to what one would expect. Pass on that.

The other two appear to be a tie , 130 gr , 800 fps , 185#. Go with price.

This is what I thought too, I assumed the cowboy action would have the least recoil.

 

[Aim1]

I'm no expert when it comes to Cowboy Action loads , but these numbers are not what I would expect for that application. The combination of specs and price makes that an unattractive proposition for me; I would think that of the three that "Cowboy" stuff would not have the softest recoil - contrary to what one would expect. Pass on that.

The other two appear to be a tie , 130 gr , 800 fps , 185#. Go with price.

Finally got a chance to shoot and the .44 Special Cowboy Action Load was very pleasant to shoot wherein the .44 Mag had significantly more recoil not surprisingly though. So, thanks for the help, good call on the cowboy action rounds.

 

[Waveski]

When did the discussion change from .38 sp to .44?

 

[Aim1]

When did the discussion change from .38 sp to .44?

When I got confused and mixed 2 different threads up. lol